Fitting a brake light warning system

Brake lights are a vital warning signal to other road-users and a legal requirement, so you need to make sure they are always in working order. You should check them every day but, because this is awkward to do on your own, they are often checked only rarely if at all.

One easy way to keep an eye on your brake lights is to fit a brake light warning unit. This monitors the current used by the brake light circuit . If one or both lights blow, or there is a poor earth contact somewhere in the circuit, or a wire becomes disconnected, there will be a drop in the amount of current used and the unit will illuminate a warning light mounted on the dash. It's a worthwhile, and relatively cheap, safety feature.

As usual there are a variety of kits to choose from and you need to check the various units to see what features they include and how the prices compare.

For example, some types just have a single warning light that illuminates when there is a fault in the brake light circuit. Others are fitted with two lights, one of which acts as a systems check and illuminates every time the pedal is pressed to indicate that the circuit is okay. The other light - usually red glows to indicate there is a fault in the circuit.

Some monitors also have a self-checking feature. Every time the ignition is turned on the warning light glows for a few seconds to indicate that the monitor itself is working.

Some units have a small warning display panel that is simply stuck to the dash surface with a self-adhesive pad . Others have a separate control unit and light.

With the latter type you can fit the control unit near to the brake lights at the rear of the car and mount the warning light on the dash itself or in a bracket secured to the dash.